The Living Rede

I originally wrote The Living Rede as a teaching tool. I wanted a way of getting across the major points of my personal philosophy in a way that was concise and memorable.  I hope you will find this useful.  There is an expanded course based on the rede that will be published shortly.

The Living Rede

A lifetime of learning I’ve set to these pages,
Some learned from fools, and some learned from sages.

This tome contains musings: some wisdom, some rant.
Some will find truth here, some won’t and some can’t.

If your eyes fall upon this page, it’s meant for you,
For the Universe offers what you’re meant to do.

The Secret of Magic quite often astounds:
There isn’t a Secret! Just look all around!

The Trees teach you lessons – the Willow that bends.
The challenge for you: learn the message it sends.

By Example and Symbol the Universe speaks.
It may happen quickly or take many weeks.

Be aware what you notice – it needs your attention
If you’re going to hear what it’s trying to mention.

For the Universe rarely speaks loudly and clearly,
But it speaks all the time if you listen sincerely.

You’re here for a reason – to heal, teach and learn.
The better you listen, the more growth you’ll earn.

The goal, it would seem, is reunion with Spirit.
Learn lessons while here, don’t run from, don’t fear it.

Though we travel our own paths, our lives interlace.
We must all grow together – this isn’t a race.

So be mindful of others, and help when you can,
A bird, tree or pebble, a woman or man.

Material, Ether and Astral involved,
Work them correctly, your problems be solved.

Magic is simple, has rules, like Mundane,
Push or pull with your Heart and direct with your Brain.

The Emotions you raise will determine its power.
The more you project, that much sooner its hour.

The Thoughts that you hold in your mind as you cast
Tell the power its job – where to go and its task.

If your thoughts falter or change while you work,
Your focus is lessened – your power will fork.

Dual aspects to work with, the God and the Goddess,
Called Yang and called Yin – the names matter not, honest!

Yang feels like anger – you feel in your chest.
It jumps to the hand and for quick work is best.

Yin is much softer – it’s felt at the womb.
The power of Love and the peace of a tomb.

Yang is aggressive – Male “Get It Done Now!”
If you’re in a hurry, Yang does it, and how!

Yin is more subtle, for delicate tasks.
If you’re working with love, it’s the one you should ask.

All genders have both, their intensities varied,
And strong you will be with both energies married.

Be Humble and True, though, whatever your power.
Sometimes you’re the lightning, sometimes you’re The Tower.

The Cards hold no magic, the Runes have no secret
That’s not found within you – if only you’ll seek it.

Negative or Positive? Sometimes you must give.
The Antelope dies so the Lion may live.

Remember, when tragedy breaks down your door:
Whatever you lose, you will gain so much more.

I know it sounds hard, when loss brings pain and sorrow,
But you will know joy again – next year, or tomorrow.

One thing that I’ve found, and I hope you will heed:
Ask not what you want from life. Ask what you need.

Ask what you want and it may come to you,
But ask what you need: What you came here to do.

This far through my Rede you have stayed and have read.
Down paths much like mine you are likely to tread.

I welcome you, joyful, a companion to walk,
For someone to listen to, someone to talk.

These pages are yours to accept or critique.
May your road straight to Spirit unfold at your feet.

Stay if you will, here, or leave if you must.
Blessed Be, One and All. Perfect Love. Perfect Trust.